Meet the Founder

Dream Pathways (Atlanta) is an initiative that was birthed by Danielle Leach while completing her manuscript for her upcoming book entitled, American Dreamer – The Life of Danielle Unveiled. While growing up in the city of Jacksonville, FL, Danielle was inspired to be an instrumental force in the lives of children and teens who struggled with issues common to inner city youth just like herself. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the Florida State University, Danielle became an active role model and leader in her community – working as a mentor for Pace Center for Girls of Tallahassee, Florida and a crisis counselor on the statewide crisis and information and referral hotline, also known as 211.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Danielle went on to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling. During her first year as a grad student, Danielle took it upon herself to give back to her community by becoming a residential counselor at a local treatment facility that caters toward abandoned, abused, and neglected children and adolescents. Following her role as a residential counselor, Danielle went on to become a substitute teacher for Duval County Public Schools, steadily impacting the lives of children and teens living within the walls of the city of Jacksonville.

“I’ve always wanted to be a positive force in the lives of teens because I remember when I was just a teenager, out and about, learning about myself, life, and the world around me. Although I was full of hope and desperation, I still struggled with many issues like low self-esteem, insecurity, poverty, and oppression. I was a seed planted in the midst of a raging storm. It was my faith that allowed me to spurt and grow to become the person I am today.”

Danielle’s passion for helping others and making an impact only grows bigger each day. There’s not one day that goes by that Danielle isn’t working diligently to make a memorable and meaningful difference in the lives of people around her.

Concerning Dream Pathways, it is Danielle’s vision and plan to launch a program that will influence, motivate, and inspire youth towards achieving their dreams, hopes, and desires. The program is expected to start in the summer of 2012 and will continue indefinitely, with a long-term goal of replicating in other urban cities, much like Jacksonville and Atlanta (where the program is projected to spearhead from).

If you would like to get involved with the Dream Pathways Initiative, please send an email to authordleach@gmail.com indicating your interest!

“Behind every dream are the eyes of the person who sees it becoming a reality. Dreams are merely vision waiting to happen.” – American Dreamer

Danielle now lives in Hollywood California where she is studying towards her PhD in Clinical Psychology.